This is in response to the article ‘The shameful role of the Indian Supreme Court in the Emergency of 1975’ By Rajinder Sachar (KT, July 16, 2013). People of my generation did not experience the ruthlessness of Emergency but it is important to learn about the history and the development of the country’s ‘democratic’ institutions. The period of the Emergency remains a very curious time for us since it happened much before and our learning only comes from oral sources passed on by family members and relatives. There is only little literature that gives a fine glimpse into what happened during the dark days of Emergency. Rohinton Mistry’s fictional novel called, A Fine Balance’, based in the Emergency is one such telling tale. I do agree that most in my generation seem to have no clue of that difficult time. Despite the knowledge of general disinterest, I was genuinely surprised at the lack of discussion and debate on June 26th.

I do also see the deliberate blocking of memory of the Emergency by those who lived through that time, barring some exceptions The media, too, does not go out and seek the voices of those who still speak about it. Anyways, I am confident these people, who do know but are unable to participate in protests, will be wary of any future machinations by the Supreme Court, in conjunction with the ruling government, to impose Emergency once again, and do whatever they can to the best of their abilities. The other bright spot is that section of the young generation, who even if they may not be clued in on what exactly happened during the Emergency, will, however, rise to the occasion to protect the constitutional rights of the people of India.

SRINAGAR, July 22: Police has started a major hunt for the youth allegedly involved in protests and stone pelting and have arrested 40 of them from different areas of south Kashmir. Sources said most of the youth were rounded up during overnight raids by the police during last two
days.
“From Qazigund area of district Kulgam which remained on boil for two consecutive days against the alleged sacrilege of Quran and killing of four civilians 18 youth have been arrested during overnight raids